Remarkable, incredible & magnificent
ON Monday I met with some of the Dublin players, their families and friends after their All-ireland win – it was fascinating to talk to them and get to know them a little.
People try to put into words what Jim Gavin has done with this panel. For me, it’s testament to his management how grounded these guys are about their magnificent success. It’s one aspect of the Dublin make up that doesn’t get enough respect and a lot of it stems from the manager. They’re a remarkable bunch. Stephen Cluxton (above) is an incredible captain and will go down as the greatest leader of men in Gaelic Games history. As a Meathman, writing all of that is something I had to think long and hard about but they are so grateful for their success and don’t take it for granted. The way they connect with supporters is a credit to Gavin and his backroom. I nearly crashed the car earlier that day when listening to Morning Ireland, hearing Gavin and Dean Rock in conversation – it was as if they had just played a practice match the previous day, not the All-ireland final. ‘Process’ is the word bandied about in terms of how they go about their business. Some people might deride that but to win the three-in-a row is truly remarkable. It’s very simple. Dublin know how to win. Four of their five All-irelands since 2011 have been won by a point. Those games could have gone either way but they got it done. Composure under pressure is what I’ll remember about this team. Then you look at Kerry, who claimed their fourth All-ireland minor title in a row on Sunday. Those first winners from 2014 are 21-22 now, the guys from the following year are 20-21. Where are they? Something is seriously wrong there. In contrast the Dublin model is incredible. Gavin plucks a couple from the minor team every year and moulds them. Kerry must look at what they’re doing – you can’t have that talent and not bring it through. There’s no doubt Mayo will be back, I can’t speak highly enough of their attitude and resilience, their love of what they do but they must find players from somewhere who will bring something else to the cause. But it’s all about Dublin. Five All-irelands in seven years, the skill factor they’ve exhibited, the scores – 3-34 in the last two games and a total of seven wides – the moves, the passing. They don’t panic and I predict they’ll got to a new level over the next few years. Consider the talent that didn’t get on the field on Sunday and then remember how Gavin loves to give youthful exuberance, flair and skill a chance. They can go on to the achieve the ultimate – the five-in-a-row. It’s on the horizon now. The great Kerry team fell just short but I can’t see any team stopping the Dubs now.